Inspiring Simplicity. Weekend Reads.

Written byjoshua becker ·

Minimalism is the intentional promotion of the things we most value and the removal of everything that distracts us from it. It requires a conscious decision because it is a countercultural lifestyle that stands against the culture of overconsumption that surrounds us.

The world we live in is not friendly to the pursuit of minimalism. Its tendencies and relentless advertising campaigns call us to acquire more, better, faster, and newer. The journey of finding simplicity requires consistent inspiration.

For that reason, I hope you will make an effort this weekend to find a quiet moment with a cup of coffee or tea and enjoy some of these hand-picked articles to encourage more simplicity in your life.

Americans Aren’t Buying Stuff Anymore | TIME by Alicia Adamczyk. After aggregating data on consumers’ credit and debit purchases, researchers found that people are spending much less on things and spending more on experiences.

Seems you’ve carved out a great life for yourself…and I know that nothing comes easy, so I applaud you for the dedication it takes to achieve your dreams. You are an inspiration, for sure :)

I’ve recently started a new job, and I’ve had to muster-up every ounce of courage I had to make it through the first few weeks. I’m still struggling—but refuse to give up, because I know one day it’ll all click and things will get easier. Truthfully, Cait…I’m so proud of myself. No one knows how hard it’s been.

I’ve had to purchase new clothes (as this job requires proper work attire) but I’ve picked up beautiful things at Goodwill for a fraction of the cost had I gone retail.

I am sitting down now with a 52 oz Bubba mug of ice tea with lemon, ready to read the articles. I encouraged a relative who is having a b’day, to do what I did several month’s back. Go thru the kitchen and pull out items not being used incl small appliances, any useable linens like towels, etc. and donate to a group home. Things may be obsolete to you that others can use . for ex: I got some silicone serving/stir spoons and donated the metal ones, extra mugs, plates,etc. Mari Kondo’s downsizing method by categories is motivating.

Great Post! I will definitely be checking all those articles out! Minimalism has definitely opened my eyes to the world we live in. Instead of going out and purchasing, why not try a walk, hike, see the sunset, or take photos. Its a very refreshing way of life to think of over ways to consume our energy.

I found it interesting that the Time article puts both restaurants and travel in the “experiences rather than things” category. This makes perfect sense to me with travel but I am not sure how Starbucks or going out to dinner rather than cooking at home are considered experiences. I go to restaurants and do not have a problem with choosing to eat out but I would not consider it an experience, rather an alternative way to feed oneself (and a rather pricey one at that). Most of the time, I would put meals eaten out in the “things” category but am wondering how others feel about the article’s characterization.

For me, eating out can be either an experience or an alternative way of refueling. If I go to a restaurant where the food is actually cooked for me, and savour it in a leisurely way, often with friends, it’s an experience. If I dash in somewhere and eat a fastish-food sandwich while checking my e-mail, it’s strictly fuel. Once I make the distinction, I can decide what kind of consuming I’m doing.

What you guys write about is so inspiring. Minimalism has given me a new direction in life and I am excited to get rid of the unnecessary and invest in what really matters.

Here in India people hoard a lot of stuff. They sometimes cannot part with sentimental things. Mostly you will see our grand-fathers would leave behind so much ‘things’ for their kids and grand-kids, it makes no sense. I have taught minimalism values to my family and everyday we are striving towards de-clutter and loving the so called empty space which leaves more scope for creativity.